In a recent development, the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government has decided to increase electricity prices by Rs 2.89 per unit for customers consuming over 200 units per month statewide.
Additionally, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the implementation of the ‘Griha Jyoti Yojana’, a program aimed at providing free electricity to households using less than 200 units every month.
Addressing the press, CM Siddaramaiah stated that individuals residing in rented accommodations would also be eligible for free electricity up to 200 units.
This initiative aims to relieve the financial burden on low-income families consuming less than 200 units, exempting them from electricity bills.
The scheme covers tenants as well. The official announcement regarding the scheme’s implementation and the price hike was made on Monday, with the new prices set to take effect from July 1.
Moreover, during Monday’s announcement, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized the government’s objective of assisting economically disadvantaged individuals and the middle class in the state.
Under the new scheme, households will receive 10 percent more electricity consumption than their average annual usage, completely free of cost.
The initiative has received widespread acceptance and appreciation from the people of Karnataka.
It is worth noting that the promise of free electricity was a key pledge made by the Congress party prior to the Karnataka assembly elections.
However, the announcement has faced criticism from opposition parties, leading to protests in various cities such as Bengaluru, Chikkaballapura, Mysore, and Davanagere.
